It is hard to believe that the Azores are part of Europe. Born from the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, this lush green archipelago of volcanic islands is a far cry from its mainland government of Portugal. Be it pocked with steep craters, a haven for wildlife or a place of historic interest, each of the nine islands is quite unique and ideally explored on foot. We visit the very best that these islands have to offer, walking through UNESCO vineyards, lava plateaux (or 'fajas') and sunken volcanoes.

After breakfast we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Pico island. As you come in to land the imposing figure of Mount Pico, Portugal's largest peak, dominates the landscape. Pico is also known as the 'black island' due to the black volcanic earth which is used to construct the walls of many of the UNESCO vinyards that this island is famed for. After landing we then head out on our first walking tour of the Santa Luzia Vineyards.
Azorian vinyards are a sight to behold. Built as a means to protect the precious vines from a battering of the harsh sea winds, the result is row after row of black horseshoe shapes that score the lush green coastline. What is more impressive is how the vine grows on the ground and through volcanic rock, rather than supported by a trellis though soil. There will be time to try the wine in the Lagido de Santa Luzia where you will be explained the typical ways of how wines and brandies are produced on the island. We will then take a ferry across to the neighbouring island of Faial where we check into our hotel in Horta, our base for the next 3 days (time of trekking: 3 hours).

In the morning we transfer to the Sao Roque harbour back on Pico island where we take a short transfer by ferry (approx 35 minutes) to Sao Jorge island or the 'brown island'. Shortly after arrival in Velas we transfer to the start of the walking tour from Caldeira do Santo Cristo to Faja dos Cubres. Sao Jorge is a fascinating spearlike island that cuts through the ocean with steepsided cliffs, however it is the Fajas (low-lying areas of lava that were formed from the subsidence of the cliffs) that it is most famed for. Sao Jorge is also well known throughout the Azores for producing some delicious cheese, which is one of it's main exports. After arriving at Faja dos Cubres we then take a transfer back to Velas and across the channel back to Pico and Faial (time of trekking: 2.5 hours).See more images and videos

4Day 4Free day to climb Mt.Pico, half day whale watching excursion or swim with dolphins, sharks and manta rays.

As today is a free day you have the chance to try out many of the other activities that the Azores have to offer. Apart from offering some unique walking opportunities, the Azores is perhaps one of the best places on the planet to spot whales and dolphins. There are 80 species of whales and dolphins and 25 of them have been sighted off the coast of the Azores, with the most common being Sperm Whale. There is also the chance to spot Bottlenose dolphin, Short-finned pilot whale, Sei whales, Atlantic spotted dolphin and the grail - the Blue whale. If you choose to go on an excursion, you will have the chance to observe the behaviour of these cetaceans and learn more about their habitat with the help of the knowledgeable local experts on board. We should always respect their environment and therefore during times of feeding or resting times, we avoid any interference and maintain our distance. If you feel that you would like to continue walking and have wondered what the view would look like from the top of Portugal's largest mountain then today is the perfect opportunity to attempt this.

5Day 5Trek from Trupes do Capelo to the Capelinhos volcano; visit to scrimshaw museum; evening flight to Sao Miguel.

Today we explore the island we have been staying on for the last two days. Faial is known as the 'blue island' because of the large quantity of hydrangeas that bloom during the summer months. The trail begins at the forest park or 'Trupes do Capelo' and finishes at the Capelinhos Volcano. Rising forcefully from the sea this volcano shows off just how dramatic nature can be. It's unique formation has even earnt it the construction of a modern interpretative centre which helps us understand not only this volcano but the formation of the entire island. We then return to Horta for a late lunch at Peter's Cafï¿½ Sport, a traditional resting point for many sailors braving the Atlantic crossing. After lunch you will be guided round one of the largest scrimshaw collections in the world that shows the variations of designs with an art form that was prolific during the whaling period. In the late afternoon we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Ponta Delgada (time of trekking: 2.5 hours).See more images and videos

6Day 6Morning transfer to Praia; trek to Lagoa do Fogo; afternoon visit to Sete Cidades to the Vista do Rei.

After a hearty breakfast we head into the lush centre of Soa Miguel to Barrosa's mountain where we get a sense of why this island has earned its nickname the 'green island'. Today's walk begins with following a 'lavada' (small water channel) close to which you will find some well preserved species of endemic Azorian flora.The highlight of this walk is arriving at the viewpoint over the Lagoa do Fogo, one of the most beautiful volcanic lakes in the entire Azores network. In the afternoon we drive to Sete Cidades, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal. From Vista do Rei, we are rewarded with breath taking views of tranquil lakes, blue hydrangeas bordering the crater rim that contrast with the steep sides of the crater. On the return to Ponta Delgada we stop off at Caldeira Velha waterfall for a well earned dip in it's warm waters (time of trekking: 4 hours).See more images and videos

On the final day we head to Furnas where we walk around the crater lake to volcanic vents, where food is cooked by the heat of vents after it has been buried in sealed pots in the baking earth. This traditional Azorian way of cooking is known as 'Cozido das Caldeiras' and will be served for lunch. In the afternoon we head into the Terra Nostra botanical gardens where we have time to wander through and admire exotic flowers and trees from all over the globe. Amongst the trees and bushes a series of aquaducts leads thermal spring water to a pool in the centre of the gardens, where for centries people have been bathing in its medicinal waters. On the return to Ponta Delgada we stop off at the tea plantations of Gorreana where we observe the plantation, the factory and taste some of the local teas (time of trekking: 2 hours).

What's not included

Accommodation details

Hotels

During the week our nights are split between two fantastic 4-star hotels. In the heart of Ponta Delgada is the Hotel Marina Atlantico. Right on the sea front, this new hotel is ideally located to explore the capital of the Azores and offers a modern twist in a traditional part of town. On Faial we use the excellent Hotel do Canal. Affording spectacular views towards the neighbouring island of Pico, this modern hotel sits just 100 metres from the harbour and is the perfect place to relax after a day's walking in and around the surrounding islands.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required for British passport holders.
There are no specific health risks. Holiday style

This is a Grade 3 walking trip.
No experience is necessary; those who take weekend hill walks in areas like the Peak District or Cotswolds at home should manage a B-grade trek; good health and reasonable fitness are important. These Moderately graded departures are either fairly easy medium-duration walks or harder, shorter walks.
The paths we use are generally flat and well maintained but some of the routes cross rougher terrain with longer ascents and descents. Some of the paths are quite narrow with stony underfoot and require walking in single file. On some occasions you will be walking on more coarse volcanic rock, so it is advidsed to be used to walking in more durable walking boots, especially over these sections.
The area is also subject to rain at any time so it is best to be prepared for this before you travel. On departures in May and September, it is best to bring warm clothes in case of colder weather.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts and 5 lunches are included. Breakfasts are buffet style with a variety on offer including bread, jams cereals, and of course tea and coffee. Lunch is usually provided in pic-nic style, except for day 7 where we sample the traditional Cozido das Coldeiras.
In the evening, the leader will recommend local restaurants that serve traditional Azores food, which can be a selection of meat or fish with vegetables and potatoes or rice.
Vegetarians are well catered for in Azores as long as the hotels are advised in advance. Dinner is included on the night of day 7.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

Azores enjoys a privileged climate with its temperate softened by gentle influence of the Gulf Stream. Temperatures do not vary by much and the average is 13 degC in winter and 23degC in summer. Water temperatures varies a little oscillating between 17degC and 24degC. Whilst light clothing is recommended for summertime, it is better to dress for cooler and damper weather for Spring and Autumn. Winters are mild yet it often rains meaning waterproofs and warm jackets are essential if travelling between November to February.

Gallery

Reviews & community

The organisation and accommodation of the holiday were excellent. The group gelled from the start and were excellent company. The islands themselves were spectacular.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing the site of the Capelinhos volcano.

What did you think of your group leader?

Pedro was very knowledgeable of the islands and was in tune with the group. He was friendly and attentive throughout and was good company. He was not afraid to offer good advice on restaurants and other things to do.
The local guides on Faial and Sao Jorge were particularly good.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The level of difficulty of the terrain was fine for us but we would have liked longer walks and less time spent in the minibus on a couple of the days.
The first walk on Pico may have been through a UNESCO world heritage site but was not very inspiring especially as the introduction.

Beautiful volcanic islands with well marked walking trails. The walks were shorter than the trip notes stated but were interesting and scenic. Each island is quite different which makes the walking more fun.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The beauty of the islands. The walk on San Miguel to Lago de Fogo (fire Lake) and the hot springs

What did you think of your group leader?

Seraphina is very enthusiastic about the beautiful islands and all the elements of the trip. She didn't always explain when we could leave things on the coach so people ended up carrying swimwear shoes etc for hours unnecessarily. She treated us like naughty school children if we walked to far in front as the group had people of mixed ability. This may have been a result of a guest ending up in hospital halfway through the first walk.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Whale watching was an option on this trip, the weather stopped the trip on the option day but some people went on the following morning. The captain of the whale watching boat said spring was the best time to go as the migrating whales pass through at that time.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The weather is warm but very humid and one guest was taken ill with dehydration. You need to be of a reasonable level of fitness to do the walks and make sure you keep hydrated.

Exodus Response

Exodus are aware that a member of Bernard’s group suffered from heat exhaustion during the trip, but we are really sorry if Bernard felt that as a result of this his tour leader, Seraphina, was too cautious about the group’s walking abilities. Seraphina is a very experienced leader and we are confident that she has the skills to adapt to each group she leads, but we do hope that this didn't affect Bernard’s enjoyment of the trip overall.

A great trekking trip. The Azores are an unknown quantity to most people, but I fell in love with the islands natural and unspoilt beauty. The hotels that we stayed at were apparently new to this year and were excellent. Friendly staff and very pleasant food (and wine!)

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Going from the stark and rugged coastline one minute, to the lush green and tranquil Sete Cidades another. Climbing Mount Pico was also another highlight with spectacular views from the top. Make sure your camera is charged!

What did you think of your group leader?

Both leaders were great. Very Knowledgeable about pretty much everything to do with the Azores. Nothing was too much trouble for them.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for wet weather – the islands have their own climate and it can change very quickly, although the weather we had was mostly dry and sunny.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Make sure you try the local liquor! It’s a local speciality and apparently has very good medicinal qualities!

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

How large are the Azores?

Actually, the Azores is made up on nine volcanic islands!

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